New collaborators join the Podfund portfolio
Newest additions provide expansive sounds
Several of Podfund’s initial investments backed single-show creators looking to expand. We’ve started to see — both in Podfund applications and throughout the industry — a wider range of audio creator models including more emerging studio and networks. In some cases, there is a vertical theme (e.g., music), and in others the unifying concept may be more abstract, such as diversity of stories and opinions, and we’re bullish on this next generation of specialized audio-first media companies.
Our three newest additions to the Podfund portfolio have collaboration at the heart of their success. DIVE Studios, Domino Sound, and Osiris Podcasts are cofounded by creative teams and already have a slate of shows in market. DIVE and Osiris bring the music world into podcasts, and Domino Sound’s approach blends original and branded podcasts as they amplify underrepresented voices. We believe our latest batch of investments are well poised to delight listeners and to take the industry by storm, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have the following companies join the Podfund community.
DIVE Studios
Founded by a team of music business creatives, DIVE Studios is an English-language podcast network focused on K-pop and Asian culture, and a creative space for artists based in Seoul, South Korea. Within 6 weeks of launch, their first podcast, K-Pop Daebak with Eric Nam, reached #1 in the music category on Apple Podcasts in 18 different countries. Their second show, The Tablo Podcast, debuted last month and reached #1 in the music category on Apple Podcasts in 22 different countries, quickly amassing a cult following. DIVE Studios will be launching three additional podcasts this year.
New to DIVE Studios? Check out this featured episode of The Tablo Podcast to get started:
Domino Sound
Domino is a woman-owned, Brooklyn-based podcast studio that aims to bring equity to the world of podcasting by promoting acceptance, inclusion and awareness through authentic storytelling. Led by Alexandra DiPalma (formerly Brand Studio Director at Stitcher) and Kenya Anderson (who hails from the TV/film world), Domino produces both original shows and branded podcasts, and provides production services to clients. Their slate includes Food 4 Thot, Akimbo with Seth Godin, Raising Rebels, and Scream, Queen!.
New to Domino Sound? Check out this featured episode of Raising Rebels to get started:
Osiris Podcasts
Started in 2018 by Phish lead songwriter Tom Marshall and Phish uber-fan RJ Bee, Osiris creates and curates podcasts for passionate and engaged music fans, and allows artists to create a deeper connection with their fans. Osiris’s shows focus on music and culture, from podcasts featuring high-profile musicians (including shows led by Bob Crawford of The Avett Brothers, Jon Barber of The Disco Biscuits) to explorations of specific bands and genres. The company also helps like-minded advertisers get in front of engaged customers.
New to Osiris Podcasts? Check out this featured episode of Under the Scales to get started:
Please join us in welcoming these creators to Podfund, and stay tuned for more news!
Applications for Podfund are open, and we make funding decisions on a rolling basis.
